BARRE — John A. MacKenzie Sr., 89, of Barre, passed away peacefully on Monday, Dec. 16, 2013, with family by his side.

A lifelong resident of Vermont, John was born in Williamstown to John and Isabella (Murray) MacKenzie. He graduated from Williamstown High School in 1942 and enlisted in the Army. He completed basic training with the 42nd Rainbow Division. The Army sent him to North Dakota State College, where he studied civil engineering. He later saw action with the 42nd in France, Germany and Austria and was awarded the Bronze Star. After the war, John transferred to the Army Reserve and served until 1984 when he retired at the rank of major. He married Rosaline Fossati on June 7, 1947.

Over his career, John worked for the city of Montpelier as city engineer and public works director and was chief engineer for Vermont Gas Systems, being instrumental in bringing natural gas from Canada to Vermont. He retired from Lacillade Lumber Co. in 1989 in the position of executive vice president. He was a member of the Montpelier Elks Club, Post 10 of the American Legion in Barre, the Vermont Society of Engineers, the 42nd Rainbow Division Association, the Military Officers Association of America, and a former member of the Northfield Country Club.

John is survived by his dear wife of 66 years, Rosaline; his children, Marta MacKenzie, of Barre, Janet (Sydney) McPherson, of Woodbridge, Va., and John (Laurie) MacKenzie Jr., of Hubbardton, Vt.; his grandchildren, Janine Griggs, Matthew (Katherine) McPherson, Lauren McPherson, Kala MacKenzie and Leila MacKenzie; two great-grandchildren, Zoey and Bryce McPherson; and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents; sister, Christina; and brothers, Finley, Norman, Edward and Angus.

Funeral services will be held at St. Monica Catholic Church in Barre at 11 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 20, with interment with military honors immediately following in Hope Cemetery. There will be no calling hours.